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Volume 22, Number 4, April 2013

Extension What are the differences between general and by-elections? Ian Richards

You can use this material to further your understanding and aid your revision of this topic.

General elections  Function to elect a national  Traditionally called by the PM at a time of his choosing (though Fixed-term Act 2011 now sets 5-year intervals)

 National focus/campaign  Usually 60%+ turnout

 Fought across a range of and issues (publication of party manifestos etc.)

 Reflects previous 5-year national picture (leadership of parties, successes/failures, economic climate etc.)

 Three main parties dominate the results

 Taken seriously by parties and most of the public, as the next government will be formed

By-elections  Function to elect a single MP

 Called after resignation/death/departure of the sitting MP e.g. Oldham 2011 after de-selection of Phil Woolas

 Local focus — although national party leaders will often visit to give support and attention e.g. Crewe and Nantwich 2008 (Cameron visited several times to ensure victory)

 Low turnout e.g. Manchester Central 2012 was 18%  Fought across a narrower range of policies, sometimes one issue or a local topic e.g. Blaenau Gwent 2006 was lost by Labour after a rebellion by local Labour activists against the party's chosen

 Typically reflect perceptions of the parties at a given moment in time — often act as a mini- on the governing party e.g. Lib Dem collapse in Barnsley in March 2011; Labour collapse during Brown's premiership in Glasgow East 2008 (used by voters to 'send a message' in support of, or more likely against, parties in Westminster)

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 Often involve protest against major parties in support of minor parties e.g. Rotherham 2012 UKIP came 2nd, Lib Dems came 8th

 Sometimes taken to reflect broader political trends, and used by the media to predict possible results at the next general e.g. Crewe and Nantwich 2008

 Taken less seriously than a as only a single seat is at stake, but more likely to have multiple standing because of the media exposure

Ian Richards teaches at Charterhouse and is online editor of REVIEW

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